Jefferson Elementary School students showed a lot of St. Louis and school spirit on 314 Day. Students waved blue and gold pom poms, some had on custom 314 Day t-shirts, and displayed their school spirit waving banners in the air that read ‘Literacy for the Lou’.
314 Day served as the backdrop for the Literacy for the Lou Passport Reading Challenge initiative–the initiative is St. Louis’ largest-ever literacy push. High-energy music played in the background as the kids paraded into the gym. They were cheering and dancing as they kicked off their spring challenge of reading 314 minutes.
“I’m so excited about 314 Day,” said Superintendent of St. Louis Public School District Keisha Scarlett. She’s learning a lot from the St. Louis community about the significance of the local holiday. “It’s a day of civic pride,” Scarlett added.
Literacy for the Lou is designed to ramp up the importance of reading. Students received Literacy for the Lou Reading Passports, which will be used to log reading minutes and give students access to rewards and prizes as they reach their goals. SLPS also has partnered with St. Louis Public Library for the initiative.
“This is to continue to foster the love for reading,” said the superintendent.
The school’s principal Dr. Leslie Bonner says reading is so important for the students in St. Louis. The elementary school goal is for all students to graduate from Jefferson Elementary School reading at or above their grade level. Teachers and staff encourage the students to read at least 30 minutes a day. Each student is provided with a book to take home to help build their in-home library.
“314 Day is about St. Louis and so is Literacy for the Lou,” she said.
Elizabeth Greifzu, reading specialist for the SLPS has been at Jefferson Elementary for three years and says she feels proud that the students are meeting their reading goals.
“Engaging kids as early as pre-k is so important, not only does it get them interested in reading, but it also helps build their vocabulary,” she said.
Following the sentiments of the school’s reading specialist, Bonner said, “All of our scholars deserve a bright future.”
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.